If, as The Daily Dolphin believes will happen, Parker’s fifth-year option is exercised, it will be for about $9.5 million. The Dolphins could have made this move official as early as January 1, but have chosen to wait, and now must do so prior to May 3.

the article argues that this move is in the best interest of the Phins. you be the judge.

Teams usually exercise the option in cases where the player is not a total bust. And despite what you may think about Parker, he’s not a bust.

At least not yet.

The way the fifth-year option is structured, it is totally in the best interest of the club.

Parker’s cap hit this year is around $3.5 million, placing him as the 60th-highest paid receiver in the league, according to Spotrac.

If Parker were to fulfill all his potential this season, stay healthy and maybe even make a Pro Bowl, it would have been nearsighted to not exercise the option to keep him on the roster for a fifth season.

Even if the Dolphins decided they could not come to a long-term extension, and wanted to trade him, at least they would retain his rights and thus, the option to receive something in value for their former first-round pick.

but then the article allows that this could be a precursor for a trade.

They can still cut him even with picking up the option, so it makes sense.

A trade is not out of the question, but only if the Phins realize that Parker's value is probably not higher than a 5th rounder at this point. I'm definitely not against trading him and drafting his replacement.